Peter's Guide to Dental Terminology

Version 3.0, June 2006

Foreword:
The following is a list of common terms and phrases used in the dental office. These definitions are simplified but are adequate for our basic needs. The Guide is suited to front and back office use. It is also suited to help patients better understand dentistry. The list is ever expanding and by no means complete. Feel free to note other words/phrases that may need clarification. The list is specific to Peter Lee, DDS of Los Gatos

#1-#32: designation/naming of adult teeth. Need to count clockwise from the upper right of the mouth and ending in lower right. A total of 32 teeth are present in a normal mouth.
#A-#T: designation/ naming of baby (deciduous) teeth. Need to count clockwise from the upper right of a child.s mouth. A total of twenty baby teeth are normally present.
Abfraction: damage done to the surface of a tooth usually by excessive flexing forces on the tooth. Almost exclusively seen on the buccal/cheek side of teeth, usually near the gumline. Occurs most often when grinding or clenching teeth. Can sometimes also be seen on the lingual/tongue side and even the mesial and distal surfaces, though much less frequently.
Abrasion: damage done to the surface of a tooth usually by mechanical devices such as toothbrushes. Usually seen on the cheek side (buccal) of teeth.
Abscess: Pus filled swelling usually next to the tooth or its gum. It is usually associated with either a gum or tooth infection.
Abutment: term used to describe a tooth used to support either a bridge or less commonly a partial denture. It is the tooth on either side of false teeth. A bridge from #8 - #9 - #10 will have #8 and #10 as abutments and #9 as the pontic. Sometimes this term is also used to describe the portion of a implant supported crown for which the titanium screw attaches to from below and the crown is attached to from above the gumline.
Access: to open a tooth for root canal therapy. Usually from the top/biting surface of a tooth. Can also be used to describe the ability of the dentist to see the area he is working on.
Acrylic: type of plastic material used to make temporary crowns, and to make dentures.
Alginate: type of impression material used in dentistry. Uses water and a powder that sets in about 4 minutes. Available in pink, white, and blue.
Alloy: in dentistry, another name for silver fillings. Literally a mixture of metals.
Amalgam: silver filling often abbreviated AMAL or Ag. It is a made with a mixture of silver, mercury, copper, and sometimes tin.
Amalgamator: the machine used to mix the silver filling before placement in the tooth.
Amalgam carrier: instrument used to carry the silver filling from the table to the mouth.
Amoxicillin: a type of penicillin related antibiotic used in dentistry.
Analgesic: painkiller usually referring to pain pills, normal or prescription strength.
Antibiotic: a medicine used in stop the growth of or to kill bacteria/germs. In dentistry, this is usually in a pill form.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis: to take antibiotics prior to a dental appointment to minimize the risk of infection, especially to the heart or to artificial joints. Also used in other patients such as those with diabetes and a history of stroke, heart attacks, etc.
Antimicrobial rinse: germ killing mouth rinse. Some of these may require a prescription
Apex: refers to the very tip of a root.
Apex locator: a sophisticated electronic device used in doing root canal treatment. It helps the dentist find the length to the end of the root.
Apical surgery: performed to remove an infection and to seal the root end of a tooth. Often done if a RCT Fails and when retreatment is impractical/ineffective.
Attrition: the wearing out of the top biting (occlusal) surface of teeth from chewing.
Autoclave: to sterilize. To kill all organisms; referring to cleaning instruments or to the machine used to do such cleaning.
Autoclave pouches: paper and plastic bags used to seal items to be sterilized.
Bicuspid: also known as premolars those teeth in adults that have two cusps. They are between the canine and the molars. Only in adult teeth (#4,5,12,13, & #20, 21, 28,29)
Bite Block: this plastic device is used to keep the jaw propped open during treatment.
Bite paper: also known as occlusal paper, ink paper, common brand name accufilm; is a thin slice of paper that leaves a mark on the biting surface of teeth. Helps in determining where teeth contact.
Bite registration: a small impression used to copy the biting characteristics of a patient and transfer it to laboratory model.
Bitewing: type of X-ray picture/film that is used to look for cavities in between back teeth. It is also used to look for gum disease in back teeth. Abbreviated BW 4BW refers to four pictures of the back teeth. These films requires a patient to bite on a paper wing! These pictures only show the top half of teeth.
Bleaching/teeth whitening: to whiten teeth with chemicals, usually peroxides in strengths of 10 to 35%. Side effect of cold sensitivity is very common.
Bonding agent: chemical used to help white/composite fillings stick to teeth.
Braces: see orthodontics
Bridge: is a restoration/appliance/prosthesis that spans multiple teeth. Used to restore/fill in a gap. It is fixed in place by cement. Usually teeth on either side of the gap act as buttresses/abutments that support the false tooth in between. The teeth on either side are usually ground down to make room for the porcelain and/or metal that makes up the prosthesis. It is sometimes called a fixed partial denture.
Bruxism: the excessive grinding of teeth unrelated to eating. May be stress induced. May be unconsciously done while sleeping.
Buccal: towards to cheek. Used to describe this surface of a tooth or gum. Also known as labial if referring to front teeth. Buccal is usually used to refer to back teeth. Facial is also used, though it refers to that surface in all teeth. Abbreviated B or F. The opposite is L or lingual (towards the tongue).
Bur: the drill bit used in a dental drill. Available in either carbide or diamond coated, it is attached to the handpiece/dental drill and does the actual cutting of tooth structure/bone structure.
Burnisher: instrument used to burnish or adapt smoothly a filling to the tooth. Available for
Calcified canal: phrase used to describe a root.s canal that is sealed off or blocked off due to calcium build up. This makes it difficult to do RCT.
Canine: The sharp pointy teeth at the corners of the mouth. Both children and adults have four. (#C,H,M,R) & (#6,11,22,27). Sometimes called cuspids. They are the longest teeth in the mouth.

Cantilever bridge: bridge that has its abutment(s) only on one side of a false tooth/pontic.
Caries: see cavity
Carpule: also carp for short usually refers to the container used to house the local anesthetic.
Cavit: brand name of temporary filling material commonly used to seal the top surface of a tooth after a root canal/RCT.
Cavity: also known as caries or decay the disease to which causes damage to a tooth. Caused by certain bacteria. Is usually brown, black, orange, yellow or super white in color. Extensive decay causes holes to form in portions of a tooth, weakening it. This can also mean the hole formed in a tooth.
cc: refers to cubic centimeter sometimes used to measure the dosage of medicine used in treatment.
Cephalexin: also known as Keflex type of antibiotic used to treat oral infections. Related to amoxicillin.
Cementum: This is the thin coating on the surface of the root of a tooth.
Chlorhexidine: anti microbial rinse Brand name Peridex and Periogard prescription used to kill germs in mouth. Usually in .12% concentration; Commonly prescribed for gum problems or after gum surgery.
Cervical: in dentistry it refers to the neck of a tooth part of the tooth closest to the gums.
Cervical burnout: phrase used to describe the dark band around the neck of a tooth in an x ray film.
Clasp: a wire used in partial dentures, stayplates, and retainers. It is made from either stainless steel, cast metal such as chromium cobalt, or in some instances, with acrylic.
Class I, II, III (for occlusion): basically refers to jaw positioning and teeth positioning I is normal, II is
protruding upper jaw or teeth, III is protruding lower jaw or teeth. This type of classification is also known as Angle.s Classification.
Class I . VI (for restorations): categorizes restorations based on location.
I: fillings on top/biting side of a posterior tooth, specifically along the grooves and pits of a tooth.
II: fillings on back teeth that include the mesial and/or distal side of a tooth.
III: fillings on front teeth that include the mesial and/or distal side of a tooth.
IV: fillings on front teeth that include the mesial and/or distal side as well as the incisial surface of a tooth.
V: fillings on the buccal/labial/facial or lingual side of a tooth.
VI: fillings on back teeth that specifically include the cusp tip.
Clindamycin-(Cleocin): type of antibiotic used in dentistry; good for both gum and tooth infections. It has a higher risk of side effects to the gut. Usually reserved for severe infections/pain.
Compolite: brand name of white (composite) filling material used to build up a tooth that has large portions missing. This brand of filling material is chemically set and does not need a blue light to activate/harden. Lee Dental has designated this material as regular composite (vs. light cured composite.)
Composite: white filling, often abbreviated Comp. It is also known as resin. Usually needs a blue light to harden. It comes in many shades and brands. Some composites can also be used as a cement/luting agent
Condenser: metal instrument used to pack a filling into a tooth.
Copolite: brand name of varnish used to coat the surface of prepared teeth before the placement of filling or crowns.
Crown: also known as a cap is a covering for the entire top of a tooth when it is weak. This is usually made of plain metal (full metal crown FMC), gold (full gold crown FGC), or metal with porcelain (Porcelain Fused to Metal or Porcelain Metal Crown PFM/PMC). Some are even made of just porcelain. Full Veneer Crown (FVC) is the same as FMC. Note: If a crown only covers part of a tooth, it may be called ž crown or 7/8 crown.
Curette: metal instrument used to clean teeth. Comes in many shapes and sizes. Can be used to clean underneath gums sub-gingival curettage.
Curing light: blue light used to harden white fillings (resins/composites)
Decay: same as cavity
Dentin: Middle layer of a tooth, under enamel but over the pulp of a tooth. Usually yellow in color.
Denture(s): false teeth full upper denture and full lower denture (FUD/FLD) Also Partial Upper Denture and Partial Lower Denture (PUD/PLD)
desensitizer: liquid used to minimize sensitivity after a restoration. This is used before placing the filling.
Digital xrays/ digital radiography: new technology used in dentistry. Same as traditional x rays but uses sensors rather than films to view hard structures inside the mouth. Requires less exposure to radiation.
Distal: refers to the side of each tooth that is furthest from the middle/midline of the jaw.
Discoid-cleoid: a carving instrument used in the shaping of amalgam fillings while it is still soft. A Tanner carver is the larger version of this instrument.
Doxycycline: common type of antibiotic used in dentistry used exclusively to help stop or prevent infections of the gums. Related to tetracycline.
Dry socket (acute osteitis): infection and inflammation often occurring after an extraction when the clot comes off and the wound and bone is exposed to air. It is very painful.
Duralon: brand name of cement commonly used in Lee Dental for cementing crowns and bridges.
Dycal: brand name of calcium hydroxide material used in pulp-capping, and as a protective base and liner under dental fillings.
Elevator: instrument used to loosen teeth before being extracted.
Enamel: the clear outer surface of a tooth. Hardest part of the body. Has a Crystalline structure with an organic matrix. The is usually the whitest part of a tooth.
Endodontic therapy: see RCT
Endodontist: A dentist who specializes in understanding and treating the root canals of teeth. The special training usually requires 2 .3 years of extra training.
Epinephrine: chemical that is used to make a local anesthetic work better and last longer. It temporarily shrinks blood vessels and can help stop bleeding. Sometimes not recommended for those with
Erosion: Damage done to the surface of a tooth (usually the tongue side and biting surface) by acid. Very common with people with eating disorders and special diets.
Erythromycin: common type of antibiotic used in dentistry for infections in the mouth. Often given to patients who are allergic to penicillin. Widely believed to be weaker than penicillin in its ability alleviate dental infections.
Etch: to roughen a tooth surface/restoration with an acid.
Excavate: to remove decay usually by scraping or scooping.
Excision: to cut/slice soft tissue
Explorer: instrument used to detect cavity, also endo explorer used to detect the pulp chamber/pulp horn
Extraction: to pull a tooth; Surgical extraction a more invasive procedure requiring the cutting of gum tissue, pushing it aside, and removing bone tissue to help loosen tooth.
Facial: see buccal
Filling: a restoration that is placed into a tooth to replace a part that is missing or damaged.
Fistula: a pus filled tract that often begins from an infected tooth or its gums, and ends in the gum or cheek.
Flowable composite: type of composite that is less viscous, has less fillers than traditional composites. Used in small fillings or those in non biting/non stress bearing areas.
FLD: see denture
Fluoride: a chemical that helps to strengthen teeth and make them less prone to cavities.
FMC: see crown
Forceps: instruments used to pull teeth.
Fracture: usually refers to the cracking/ breakage of a part of a tooth, i.e., root fracture and cusp fracture
FUD: see denture
Fuji: popular brand name for cement used in crown and bridgework. Note that this brand makes many cement products.
Furcation: refers to the space between two roots. In gum disease, an exposed furcation is a sign of moderate to severe gum disease/recession.
Fusion: describes the rare event where two teeth fuse to one another and essentially become one tooth.
FVC: see crown
Gauze: cotton gauze used to pick up debris from the mouth. Also used to stop bleeding after surgery. Usually 2 inches by 2 inches commonly called .2 by 2.
Gemination: describes the rare event where one tooth twins or divides to become two teeth. Opposite to fusion.
Gingiva: the gum; of two kinds attached (the pink firm type that attaches to the tooth and bone) and unattached is further away from the tooth; is red in color and is thinner and more elastic)
Gingivitis: the inflammation of the gums around teeth. Can sometimes be reversible
Glass ionomer: type of restoration material used both as a filling and as a cement, depending on viscosity.
Gold crown: see crown
Gow-Gates: an injection block used to numb the lower jaw (teeth and gums), similar to IA block.
Gracey: a class of instruments used in deep cleaning/root planning as well as for scaling of teeth. Too many to list here.
Gut: in dentistry, it is a type of suture used to stitch a wound, see sutures. In sizes 3 . 0, 4 . 0, etc, the larger the number, the smaller the diameter of the needle/stitch string.
Gutta percha: orange rubbery filling material used to fill a root canal space during RCT. This is almost always in a cone form in sizes of 15 - 80 (also in sizes medium fine, fine, medium, fine medium, etc.)
Handpiece: name for dental drills, divided into high speed and slow speed. This mechanical device holds the bur/drill bit used to cut teeth. A surgical handpiece is high speed and is used on the bone during surgery. Unlike a high speed handpiece, it does not expel air into the surgical site.
Hemostat: instrument used to clamp small objects in the mouth.
Hemostatic agent: solution used to stop bleeding, usually used to stop minor bleeding in the gums or lip. Common brand name Hemodent.
Hollenback: an instrument used in carving a filling while it is soft. It is tapered and has a flat edge. It is double sided.
IA: inferior alveolar refers to either the nerve, artery/vein, or canal running along the lower jaw. It supplies blood and sensation to the teeth on that corner of the mouth. It also supplies the sensation to that corner of the lip.
IA block: refers to the injection used to numb that nerve.
I and D: incise and drain used to relieve pain associated with pressure. The incision of an abscess to releases the fluids/pus built up in a dental/gum infection.
Ibuprofen: over the counter pain killer/analgesic; brand name advil, also motrin (stronger) in 200, 400 and 800 mg dosages. Preferred painkiller for mild to moderate pain, non addictive. A type of non steroidal anti inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Impregum: type of impression material used to make crown/bridges and sometimes dentures.
Implant: a restoration that requires placing a titanium screw into either the upper or lower jaw bone and placing either a crown or bridge on top of it. Can sometimes be used to support dentures as well.
Incisors: the four front teeth top and bottom used to incise, eight total in both children and adults. (#d,e,f,g, & n,o,p,q) and (#7,8,9,10 & 23,24,25,26)
Injection: usually refers to needle injection/shot used to numb teeth/gums.
Inlay: is a restoration that is usually cemented/bonded into the tooth. It cannot incorporate a cusp tip. It can be made of almost any material (composite, gold, porcelain). This restoration is usually laboratory made. It is used when the size of the preparation (in the tooth) is too large for a conventional filling.
Interproximal: between two teeth; also known as proximal.
IRM: intermediate restorative material used to glue in a restoration temporarily or used as the temporary restoration. The material is white and pasty; it is a mixture of liquid and powder.
Irrigation: refers to the rinsing of an area. Usually used to describe the rinsing of a tooth.s root canal or the tooth socket.
Isolation: commonly used to refer to rubber dam isolation that is used in some procedures in dentistry.
K-file: type of file used to do RCT.
Keflex: see ceflexitin
labial: refers to the side of a tooth facing the lips, refers to front teeth.
Lidocaine: (brand names: xilocaine, and octocaine) most common local anesthetic used to numb teeth/gums/bone for dental work. Related to novacaine. This is usually injected, is usually available in 2% with epinephrine, or 3% without.
Lingual: refers to the tongue side, usually of the tooth.
Local anesthetic: numbing of teeth/gums by injection in the mouth. Local infiltration and local injection are also used to describe this.
Loritab: another brand name of pain killer, exactly the same as vicodin.
Mandible: the bottom jaw or lower jaw
Mandibular: of or related to the lower jaw
Matrix band: is a thin metal band that is wrapped around a tooth prior to filling it with a filling. Helps To keep the amalgam/composite from flowing into the gums or from being too bulky.
Maxilla: the top jaw; of or related to the top jaw
Medial: toward the middle of the mouth; refers to the side of the tooth that is closest to the midline of the jaw. Abbreviated (M)
Mobility: in dentistry, referring to looseness of teeth. Usually measured in a scale of 0 to 3. Zero being not loose, and 3 referring to very loose.
Needle holder: instrument used in suturing a wound after surgery. It holds the needle and suture that are used in the suturing/stitching.
Nitrous oxide: commonly known as nitrous, is a gas used in some dental offices to calm patients with dental fears!
O and D: open and drain refers to starting root canal therapy, usually involves access, decay removal, and pulpotomy; also implies the releasing of pressure in the pulp of the tooth; to let the fluids/pressure drain out. Usually accompanies a temporary filling to seal the hole this implies that the RCT will be finished at a later date.
Obturate: to fill a root canal usually with gutta percha. Obturation
Occlusal: refers to the side of the tooth that chews with the opposing tooth. Biting surface of the tooth. Abbreviated (O); occlude to bite with. Occlusion the bite.
Occlusal Film: an x-ray film commonly used in dentistry to see front teeth especially in children. They
Occlusion: the biting of teeth
Onlay: restoration that is similar to an inlay except that it incorporates one or more cusp tips. It is laboratory made and is cemented/bonded into/onto the tooth. It is made of metal, porcelain, and rarely composite.
Open apex: used to describes the root end of a tooth. This describes the opening to the root canal as being too large. This makes it difficult to do RCT. This is often associated with a younger patient.
Open margin: refers to fillings or crowns where there is an insufficient seal to prevent fluids/bacteria from contaminating the inside of a tooth, and causing cement failure and decay.
Oral Surgeon: dentist who specializes in pulling teeth/extractions. Also an expert on complicated surgery in or around the mouth. Usually requires 4 - 6 years of extra training beyond a dental degree.
Oral surgery: surgery inside the mouth, usually referring to pulling/extracting teeth, but can refer to any surgery inside the mouth.
Orthodontist: dentist who specializes in the straightening of teeth, usually with braces. Also an expert in the jaw joint and the details of biting/occlusion. Usually requires 2 .3 years of extra training beyond a dental degree.
Osseous surgery: sometimes called MGOS or mucogingival osseous surgery a procedure done to prolong the life of a tooth. Involves the removal of tartar on the root, smooth root surface, cutting away diseased gums, smoothing the rough parts of the bone. Helps to facilitate the cleaning of roots by the patient by increasing accessibility .
Over contoured: refers to a restoration that is too large/bulky, often impinging on the gums. The restoration is not adapted properly to the surface of the tooth.
Palatal injection: also known as the GP or greater palatine injection is a very painful injection that numbs the gum tissue on the tongue side of upper molars and bicuspids.
Palate: roof of the mouth, also note that the surface of an upper tooth closest to the palate is described as palatal.
Panoramic x ray: also known as a PANO/panorex, it shows the whole mouth and jaw.
Paper points: long thin rods of paper used to dry a root canal, during RCT. Also called absorbent points.
Patency/patent. Refers to the clearing of debris from a root canal to ensure that there is no blockage through the length of the root.
PDL: periodontal ligament attaches the tooth to the bone inside the socket.
Pedodontics: dentist specialized in children and those with special needs. Requires 2 . 3 years of extra training beyond a dental degree.
Penicillin: common antibiotic used in dentistry to help heal infections in mouth. Many people are allergic to this medication.
Periapical: refers to the area immediately surrounding the root end(s) of a tooth.
Periapical Film: PA a radiographic x-ray film that shows the whole tooth including the root and the area around it.
Peridex: see chlorhexidine.
Periodontist: dental specialist that treats gum diseases. Requires 2 . 3 years of extra training.
Periodontitis: disease causing the destruction of the bone and gum surrounding teeth. True and irreversible Gum disease. Is often categorized as mild, moderate, or severe.
Perio probe: instrument used to determine the condition of the gums. Used to measure pocket and sulcus depth. It is also helpful to determine inflammation be eliciting bleeding on probing.
Pin: small metal screw used to hold a large filling in place.
Plastic strip: also separating strip a thin clear piece of plastic used to isolate a tooth during a white filling procedure. (also known as mylar strip)
Pocket: excessively large space between the tooth and its gums, caused by gum disease. This space is measured in millimeters. (1-3) mm is considered normal while (4-5) mm is considered abnormal with bone loss and loss of attachment. (6+) mm requires surgical treatment to correct.
Pontic: false tooth in a bridge. Usually supported on either side by real teeth called abutments.
Post: solid cylinder made of metal or sometimes plastic used in endodontically treated teeth to help support crowns, etc.
Preparation/prep: to get a tooth ready for a restoration, usually requires drilling the tooth to the right shape and removing decay.
Primer: liquid used to help a white filling stick to a tooth. Used before placing bonding agent.
Prophylactic antibiotic: antibiotics given to patients prior to dental appoints due to specific heart problems or due to prosthetic joints. It is used to minimize the risk of infections in these areas.
Prophylaxis: a general cleaning of teeth. Usually refers to light cleaning above the gum line as opposed to deep cleaning/Root Planning. This is not to be confused with antibiotic prophylaxis.
Prophy paste: material used to polish teeth during a regular cleaning.
PSA: notation signifying the Posterior Superior Alveolar a type in injection used to numb the upper molars. Also known as the PSA block.
Pulp: the core/center of the tooth. The material in this space. This includes the nerve, artery, veins and tooth producing cells.
Pulp cap: term used to define the placing of an insulation material near the pulp that may help it heal after a filling.
Pulp chamber: space where the pulp is housed.
Pulpectomy: same as RCT
Pulp horns: tips of the pulp chamber usually corresponds to a cusp. Is usually the first place to be affected by decay.
Pulpotomy: the removal of the pulp in a tooth. Very commonly done for baby teeth when invaded by cavity and bacteria. This also involves the placement of medicine in the space.
Quad/Quadrant: referring to one quarter of the mouth upper right, UR, lower right LR, upper left, UL, and lower left, LL.
Radiograph: x ray film/picture
Radiolucent: and radiolucency refers to a darkness/dark spot in a radiograph.
Radiopaque: or radio opaque refers to a whiteness in an x ray film
RC prep: material used in the cleaning of root canals during endodontic therapy.
RCT: Root Canal Therapy also known as endodontic treatment/therapy involves the removal of pulp/pulpal tissue inside the pulp and the canals of a tooth. Also includes the filling of this created space by a rubbery filling material. Can also be referred to as pulpectomy. This is often done when a tooth is in pain and the pulp is dying or dead.
Recession: refers to gum disease; is the loss of gum and/or bone surrounding teeth, exposing more of the root.
Recurrent decay: decay that is present after a tooth has already been restored with a filling or crown in the past.
Resin: see composite
Resorption: The internal or external cellular destruction of a tooth. Almost exclusively referring to the root or pulp of a tooth. Usually an auto inflammatory event. This can sometimes be used to refer to bone resorption as well.
Retainer: metal/acrylic appliance used to hold/retain the position of teeth after braces.
Retreat: refers to retreat root canal often done of the initial RCT fails for whatever reason.
Retro-fill: during apical surgery, a restoration is placed at the root.s apex or retro-filled.
Root: is the part of the tooth that is normally attached to gum and bone. This is usually the part of the tooth that cannot be seen. Usually comprises 2/3 of a tooth.s length.
Root planning: deep cleaning or cleaning of teeth below the gum line and including the roots.
Rotary instruments: refers to motorized machine/files used to do endodontic therapy.
Rubber dam: latex shield used to isolate a tooth/teeth. Used during root canal therapy and sometimes for fillings.
Rubber dam clamp: metal clamp used to hold a rubber dam to the tooth.
Rubber dam forceps: metal instrument used to put on and take off a rubber dam clamp.
Rubber dam frame: metal or plastic device used to hold and stretch the rubber dam open.
Rx: common notation preceding a prescription of medicine.
Scaler: Metal instrument a dentist or hygienist uses to clean around the tooth. Usually referring to those instruments used to clean above the gum line. Plastic ones are available for implant cleaning.
Scalpel: a knife used to cut soft tissues in mouth. Lee dental has size #12 and #15 scalpel blades available;
Sealer: chemical used to seal the root canal of a tooth during endodontic treatment/RCT, sometimes referred to as cement.
Sealant: a protective covering placed in the grooves of the biting surface of back teeth. It is used to reduce the chance of getting a cavity there. Most commonly done on children ages 6 . 14.
Silk: see sutures
Sodium hypoclorite: chemical used in the cleaning of a root canal. It.s a strong bleach which kills bacteria that infects the inside of teeth.
Space maintainer: metal device used to hold a space for an adult tooth when a baby tooth is lost early.
Stitches: see sutures
Sub gingival curettage: deep cleaning/root planning that includes the removal of diseased soft/hard tissue.
Sulcus: a normal space between the tooth and its gums. If this space is excessively large or inflamed, then it is considered a pocket.
Sutures: also known as stitches, used to help a wound heal after surgery by closing the edges of gum tissue. Available in either gut or silk, size 3-0 and the smaller 4-0 diameter. Gut is made of animal gut and dissolves in time. Silk is not dissolvable and must be removed at a later date. Lee Dental uses almost exclusively silk for its surgical cases.
Tanner carver: instrument used in the carving and shaping of a restoration. It has one round and one spade shaped end.
Temporary filling/restoration: described putting a restoration on a tooth that is meant to last between a week to a month. A permanent restoration must be provided in the future.
Tetracycline: type of antibiotic used to treat gum problems (among other things). Related to doxycycline. Not to be used with pregnant women and women who may become pregnant.
Tetracycline staining: occurs on adult teeth when a person is exposed to tetracycline antibiotics in early childhood. The stain is intrinsic and cannot be easily removed. The stain color ranges from brown to gray to yellow to orange.
TMD: temple mandibular disorder any disorder affecting the jaw joint.
TMJ: temple mandibular joint jaw joint that allows for the opening and closing of the mouth.
Tofflemire retainer: more commonly called a matrix band holder, it is used to hold the band tightly around a tooth getting a filling.
Torus/tori: natural excess bone growth, usually at the center of the palate or tongue side of the lower jaw.
Tylenol III: very common type of prescription painkiller (analgesic) given to patients who are in pain or are expected to be in a lot of pain after dental treatment. Generic: acetaminophen 500mg with 30mg of codeine.
Under contoured: refers to a restoration that does not cover enough of a tooth, not bulky enough! Usually refers to a crown that leaves part of a prepared tooth exposed.
Undermined: usually refers to a portion of a tooth that is not supported by underlying structure usually a cusp that has a large filling next to it, making it vulnerable to fracture.
Veneer: a thin porcelain/composite restoration used to cover/veneer over the front/cheek side of a tooth. It is bonded on to the tooth with a resin based cement.
Vicodin: strong prescription painkiller (analgesic) given to patients who are in severe pain or are expected to be. Related to codeine. Is more prone to be abused by those seeking a .high. Contents: 500 mg acetaminophen and 5mg hydrocodone. Also available as Vicodin ES which has 7.5 mg of hydrocodone.
Vita: brand name of shade guide used to match the color of restorations with that of a tooth.
Vital: refers to the condition of the pulp/nerve of a tooth. A vital pulp has functional blood vessels and nerve sensation. A non-vital one does not.
Wax bite: or wax bite registration used in transferring the correct bite/occlusion onto a stone model, it is used to help make crowns/bridges. Cans sometimes also be used for dentures fabrication.
Wedge: made of wooden/plastic, it is used to separate two teeth during fillings.
X ray: type of radiation ray used in dentistry to see bone, teeth and restorations. Types of film include periapicals, bitewings, and panoramic x-rays.